Ten years ago, Sugarcane Elephants began with a question from my older child that changed the course of my life: "What will you do when we leave for university?" As a mother of two, I had devoted years to raising my family. Before that, I had worked in the corporate world, but somewhere along the way, my own dreams had quietly taken a back seat. When that question was asked, I realised I didn't have an answer.

So, I decided to create one.

Travel had always been my greatest passion. I loved discovering new places, connecting with people, and seeking experiences that went beyond sightseeing. I wanted to build something that would allow others to experience travel in a more meaningful way where wellness, culture, connection, and personal growth came together. That's how Sugarcane Elephants was born.

What I didn't expect was how much this journey would transform me as well. The person I was ten years ago is very different from the person I am today. Building this business has pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me grow in confidence, and taught me that it's never too late to reinvent yourself.

Today, Sugarcane Elephants is so much more than a travel and wellness company. It has become a community, a family. Every retreat is a space where people are welcomed exactly as they are. People arrive as strangers, but they leave as friends who continue to stay connected, celebrate life's milestones together, support one another through challenges, and gather again at future retreats and events.

What makes me happiest is knowing that the journey doesn't end when a retreat does, it simply continues. Watching these friendships grow into a genuine support system is the greatest reward of all. There is no judgement, no pressure to fit in, and no fear of being yourself. People arrive as strangers and leave with lifelong friendships, shared memories, and a sense of belonging.

To me, that's the greatest measure of success. I'm not just creating retreats; I'm creating a place where people feel seen, supported, and at home. And that, more than anything else, is what Sugarcane Elephants will always be about.